Tennessee SR-22 & High-Risk Auto Insurance
Tennessee requires 25/50/25 liability coverage and is an at-fault state.
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Tennessee at a Glance
25/50/25
Minimum liability limits, in thousands of dollars (per person / per accident / property)
At-fault
The at-fault driver's insurance pays for the damage they cause
Optional
PIP and uninsured motorist coverage are not required by law
$65
State license reinstatement fee, about 5 days to process
Source: state DMV, insurance department and statute records, verified July 2026
State Requirements
SR-22 filing is required following DUI convictions, driving without insurance, accumulating excessive violations, at-fault accidents while uninsured, or license suspensions. The Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security mandates continuous SR-22 filing for 3 years from the date of reinstatement, and any lapse triggers immediate suspension.
Liability Insurance
SR-22 Insurance
Uninsured Motorist Coverage
Comprehensive Coverage
Collision Coverage
Cost Overview
$14–$42/mo
Typical monthly rate in Tennessee, non-owner policies
Rate data: Insure.com and MoneyGeek, 2026
What Affects Your Rate
- Time since violation: Premiums decrease gradually as violations age, with noticeable reductions after 3–5 years
- Credit-based insurance score: Tennessee allows carriers to use credit in underwriting, which disproportionately impacts high-risk drivers with financial instability
- Vehicle type and age: Older vehicles without comp/collision requirements lower total premiums, while financed newer vehicles require full coverage at elevated rates
Stay Covered While You Drive Borrowed Cars
Find Coverage After ViolationsIf your license is suspended
Restricted Driver License (Class D, M) — Order for Restricted License
A restricted license is available while suspended.
A coverage lapse is reported
The state can act when your insurance lapses.
Source: state DMV, insurance department and statute records, verified July 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do I need SR-22 in Tennessee after a DUI?
Tennessee requires SR-22 filing for 3 years from the date of license reinstatement following a DUI conviction. The 3-year period restarts if your policy lapses or is cancelled during the requirement period, and your license will be suspended immediately. Continuous coverage without interruption is mandatory to avoid additional penalties and reinstatement fees.
Which insurance companies offer SR-22 in Tennessee?
Non-standard carriers that actively write SR-22 policies in Tennessee include The General, Direct Auto, Safe Auto, Acceptance Insurance, and Progressive. Standard carriers like State Farm and GEICO may offer SR-22 for existing customers with minor violations, but drivers with DUIs or suspensions typically need to work with non-standard carriers. Independent agents specializing in high-risk coverage can compare multiple carriers at once.
Can I get car insurance in Tennessee with a suspended license?
You cannot legally drive with a suspended license, but you can purchase SR-22 insurance before reinstatement to fulfill the proof of financial responsibility requirement. Some non-standard carriers offer policies specifically for drivers preparing to reinstate their license. Once you pay reinstatement fees and provide SR-22 proof to the Tennessee Department of Safety, your license can be restored and you can drive legally.
Do I need SR-22 for a reckless driving conviction in Tennessee?
Tennessee may require SR-22 filing for reckless driving depending on the circumstances and whether it resulted in license suspension or accumulated points. Reckless driving typically adds 6 points to your record, and accumulating 12 points within 12 months triggers SR-22 requirements. Court orders and the Tennessee Department of Safety determine whether SR-22 is mandatory for your specific case.
Coverage Types
Liability Insurance
Covers bodily injury and property damage you cause to others. Tennessee's 25/50/15 minimums are often insufficient for serious accidents—medical bills and vehicle damage easily exceed these limits on I-40 or I-24 collisions.
SR-22 Filing
Certificate filed by your carrier proving you maintain continuous coverage following a DUI, suspension, or uninsured accident. Filing costs $15–$50, but your violation increases the underlying premium significantly.
Uninsured Motorist Coverage
Pays for your injuries and vehicle damage when an at-fault driver has no insurance. Tennessee has an uninsured driver rate near 20%, creating significant financial risk if you're hit by an uninsured motorist.
Comprehensive Coverage
Covers non-collision damage like theft, hail, vandalism, or animal strikes. Tennessee's tornado and hail activity in Middle Tennessee makes comprehensive valuable for protecting your vehicle investment.
Collision Coverage
Pays to repair or replace your vehicle after an accident regardless of fault. For high-risk drivers with older vehicles, collision may not be cost-effective if annual premiums exceed the vehicle's actual cash value.
Non-Standard Auto Insurance
Policies designed for drivers with DUIs, suspensions, lapses, or poor credit who cannot secure coverage from standard carriers. Non-standard carriers in Tennessee include The General, Direct Auto, Safe Auto, and Acceptance Insurance.